This Christmas BE the Tree.
Decorate yourself instead of a tree!
Holiday Shirley photo by Thomas Hudson Reeve
Every year I look forward to unwrapping each and every one of my ornaments. They each are like little presents; bringing back memories of past holidays and the special people who have added to my collection. Nothing makes me happier than a Christmas tree ornament. So far I have around 150 ornaments and it takes me around 4 hours to unwrap them all. Delightful!
Photo of Kat Caverly by Thomas Hudson Reeve 1984
I have two collections. One for my big tree and another minature ornament collection for my “Little Christmas” tree. The little ornaments go on a small live evergreen which is brought indoors for only one day, which is of course “Little Christmas”, January 6th, otherwise known as the Celebration of the Epiphany. January 6th was also the day that Christmas was celebrated in the Roman calendar.
Shirley decorate and photographed by Thomas Hudson Reeve
Although I really love a real evergreen, I am saddened to kill one of the most beloved symbols of hope of this season. So this year I am only going to have my tiny live Christmas tree.
Historically there had been opposition to the use of Christmas trees because of their pagan origin. And oddly the trees were first hung from the ceilings of German homes and the presents were ON not under the trees. However I do love the tradition of decorating with lights at this time of the year that turns the world into a festival of lights and magic.
Shirley had something else in mind when she suggested going out and getting lit this Christmas!
